Waller announces Winx’s next target

Clinton Payne - Thursday September 21

Champion trainer Chris Waller has chosen the next start for superstar galloper Winx with the race sure to prove a massive surprise to many.

Winx wins the George Main Stakes last Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart.

The daughter of Street Cry is likely to make her debut at Flemington on October 7.

"After giving careful consideration to her current racing campaign it is likely her next run will be at Flemington on October 7 in the G1 (Group I) Seppelt Turnbull Stakes (2000m)," Waller said in a release.

"The sole reason for running here as the most likely option is simply based on the timing of the current program which will provide her with three weeks between runs from the George Main to the Turnbull and another three weeks into the Cox Plate for her fifth run of the campaign.

"Whilst this is her intended path, if she was not to run in the Turnbull it would be my intentions to run in the Craven Plate on October 14 at Royal Randwick before heading to Melbourne in preparation for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate."

Winx would carry 57kg in the Turnbull Stakes under the set weights and penalties conditions.

The trainer also revealed he will remove the ear muffs from Winx in her next start.

"As has always been the case, I will continue to be guided by the horse and what I feel is best for her when planning her racing preparations," he said.

Waller said he is "extremely pleased with the way Winx has pulled up" off her 20th consecutive win in the George Main Stakes last Saturday at Randwick.

"I could not be happier with her recovery since the run and she continues to maintain her weight approximately 10kg heavier than what she was when winning the 2016 Cox Plate," he said.

"All bodes well heading towards the 2017 Ladbrokes Cox Plate."

Meanwhile, Waller also confirmed Winx could have a three run European campaign after next year's Sydney autumn carnival.

"Providing she is well she will either run during The Championships in the G1 (Group I) Queen Elizabeth Stakes and look to target a race during the Royal Ascot carnival or be freshened up subsequent to the George Ryder Stakes and be targeted towards a European campaign containing three races over a range of distances," he said.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Don Corleone New for Eureka Stud
Eureka Stud is excited to offer Group I performed Extreme Choice son Don Corleone to Queensland breeders this spring.
Fawkner Park from Last to First in Wagga Wagga Gold Cup
An ice-cold ride by Tyler Schiller saw the favourite Fawkner Park (IRE) come from last to land Friday's $200,000 Listed Lucas Road Sealing 2024 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).
Best On Breeding
As I Am Invincible rapidly closes in on Snitzel’s record seasonal earnings of $29,258,000 he is doing so despite what has been, to date, a relatively quiet season for his juveniles in Australia.
Antrim Coast Chasing Another G1 for Almanzor
With the prospect of Group One glory both now and in the spring, Saturday looms as an exciting afternoon for Stephen Marsh.
Platinum Thoroughbreds Announce 2024 Fees
Platinum Thoroughbreds is pleased to announce its 2024 roster - three well credentialled stallions from three prolific sire lines... and great value too!
Sires With Winners - Friday May 3
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Another Deep Field Packing his Bags for Hong Kong
Endued brought his Hong Kong future a big step closer with a four-length victory in the Rohan Mudhoo Trust 2YO (1200m) at Woodville on Friday.
Tradition to Continue as Wakefield Stud Changes Hands
The historic Wakefield Stud, the birthplace of Melbourne Cup winner Subzero, has been purchased by the owners of another historic Scone farm, Middlebrook Valley Lodge. The farm was officially settled during the week, and the new owners are excited to see the farm return to it’s former glory days.
Randwick around the track with Clinton Payne on Saturday
Saturday saw the return of Australian racing’s pin-up girl Winx and after giving racegoers a genuine heart flutter, she duly delivered with one of her best ever wins at Randwick.
Two Impressive Winners for Prized Icon
On Thursday, Kooringal Stud’s Prized Icon had two progressive first-crop 3-year-olds step up to the plate at Wyong.